Why Do We….. ?

Let me first clarify before I go any further that I know I am far from perfect (those who have been reading my blogs posts over the years know that I am open about this!).. and I know God is working in me.. I thank God that people can comment on the change in my life over the years – how far I have come is all by His grace without a doubt.. I still have a distance to go still and I am a work in progress. However, my prayer daily is that God will continue to work on me, that my heart will remain pure and yielded to God’s convictions and restoration. I totally totally need HIM!

So yes, we ALL have faults and weaknesses and shortcomings. However, I do observe a number of professing Christians who will never own up to any of their errors or faults and even blame shift! Confessing our sins (disobedience to God) to one another does indeed bring healing to our bodies – spiritually, emotionally and sometimes physically too as often sin in the form of harbouring bitterness and anger towards another manifests as dis-eases.

Confession is the first step towards change – as declaration shows you are serious about making a U-turn in your life!

I was reflecting on how people can stand up and worship God, lead people in ‘worship’, preach, teach, heal, intercede, drive out demons all in the name of Jesus but yet they fall short in the area of loving others, continuously hurting others and not even realising it.

Is it of any wonder then that Jesus declares,

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ – Matthew 7:21-23 (True and False Disciples)

He will come to separate the sheep from the goats – the true from the false disciples!

It’s not about the ‘ministries’ we do but being a true disciple all boils down to our relationship with Christ, our intimacy with Him. The quality of our relationships with others reflects on how rooted we are in God.

For example, a person who sees God as a God who listens to us will be quick to listen (to hear out) other people too (instead of with the sole intention of listening to shove down their thoughts and theories). A person who sees God as a God who comforts in trials and difficulties will be quick to comfort others (instead of hurting them further with careless words). A person who sees God as a God who bears with us and loves us unconditionally will strive to do the same with others – it’s difficult without a doubt but the motive and desire will exist and they will thus persevere with all the stumbling.

On the other hand a person who sees God as the disciplinarian will extend that to others and lord it over others. A person who sees God has unyielding will not be able to yield to others either – and just pushes others away. A person who sees God as giving rewards for righteous acts but punish for sins, does that to the other too. A person who sees God as judgmental, with whom our heart can’t be poured out in all honesty will do the same to others.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved childrenand walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God – Ephesians 5:1-2

In order to follow God’s example, we need to understand Him well. Often we mis-understand God and thus mis-represent God as we don’t spend time listening to Him, getting to know Him, and we study His Word out of context deriving law as opposed to seeing the bigger picture.

When we do experience the Father with deepening intimacy we will see through His eyes and our heart begins to beat for what His heart beats for. We begin to see prodigal sons through His eyes, we begin to embrace based on what God is showing us, not based on hearsay and gossip and false judgments. We will seek God’s will in every step. We won’t be quick to speak our mind and our advises but we will learn to comfort people, build each other up not tear down, not focus on their errors but celebrating their positive traits, accepting them for who they are and motivating them to change through God’s love.

Do you believe you are DEARLY LOVED by God? Are you walking in the way of love? What is your standard for your walk of love? How did Jesus Christ love you? How does your love for one another compare to the love He has for you? He gave Himself up for you and for me as a FRAGRANT OFFERING AND SACRIFICE to God!!

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord – Ephesians 5-6-10

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is – Ephesians 5:17